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Genetically Confirmed Osteogenesis Imperfecta (COL1A1) With Unexplained Ambiguous Genitalia in a 46,XY Child: An
Harshita Agarwal1, Tathagata Jha2, Mohammad Orooj Azmi1
1Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research Kolkata West Bengal India.
Insights
This study reports the first case of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) co-occurring with ambiguous genitalia in a 46,XY child. The genetic findings highlight the complex interplay between skeletal and gonadal development.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Endocrinology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a heritable connective tissue disorder affecting collagen, leading to bone fragility.
- Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) in 46,XY individuals require thorough evaluation.
- The coexistence of these conditions presents diagnostic and management challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of a 6-year-old 46,XY child with OI and ambiguous genitalia.
- To investigate the genetic underpinnings of the overlapping phenotypes.
- To emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary care for complex pediatric cases.
Main Methods:
- Clinical assessment including physical examination and endocrine evaluation.
- Genetic analysis using karyotyping and whole-exome sequencing.
- Review of patient's treatment and follow-up.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with recurrent fractures, blue sclerae, short stature, and ambiguous genitalia.
- Genetic analysis confirmed a pathogenic COL1A1 variant for OI and a CYP11A1 variant of uncertain significance.
- Endocrine tests indicated primary gonadal dysgenesis with significantly reduced testosterone levels.
Conclusions:
- This case represents the first documented instance of OI due to COL1A1 mutation and ambiguous genitalia in a 46,XY child.
- The findings underscore the complexity of overlapping skeletal and gonadal phenotypes.
- Longitudinal, multidisciplinary care is crucial for managing such complex conditions.
Abstract:
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heritable disorder of type I collagen characterized by bone fragility, blue sclerae, and short stature. Disorders of sex development (DSD) in 46,XY individuals demand comprehensive endocrine, imaging, and genetic evaluation. We report a 6-year-old child with recurrent low-impact fractures, blue sclerae, short stature, and ambiguous genitalia. Karyotype was repeatedly reported as 46,XY. Subsequent endocrine evaluation revealed elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (16.03 mIU/mL), low luteinizing hormone (1.35 mIU/mL), markedly reduced testosterone (< 7 ng/dL), low dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (< 15 μg/dL), and androstenedione (< 0.300 ng/mL), consistent with primary gonadal dysgenesis. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia was provisionally excluded. Whole-exome sequencing identified a heterozygous pathogenic frameshift variant in COL1A1 (c.441delC; p.Gly148fs*117), confirming OI, and a heterozygous CYP11A1 variant of uncertain significance (c.119 T > C; p.Ile40Thr), possibly contributing to partial adrenal insufficiency and sex reversal. The patient receives annual zoledronate, calcium, and vitamin D supplementation, with ongoing multidisciplinary follow-up. This represents the first reported coexistence of OI due to COL1A1 mutation with ambiguous genitalia in a 46,XY child, emphasizing the complexity of overlapping skeletal and gonadal phenotypes and the importance of longitudinal care.
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